Ports & destinations

Port of Tarragona expands cruise ship handling capacity

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 October 2020 28 October 2020

The Port of Tarragona in Spain is expanding its facilities to handle cruise liners and work on the Balears Wharf that will handle them is in progress, with two breakwaters under construction at the moment.

“The total mooring line will be 700 metres long given that on 240 metres of its 460- metre length it will be possible to tie up vessels on both sides and add the Llevant breakwater zone,” the port said in a statement, adding that the new facility would double the number of cruise liners that can dock simultaneously and will also be able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise liners.

This multipurpose wharf will be used to accommodate different types of vessels and cargoes, both now and in the future. “It will first be used as a cruise liner dock, a phase that is expected to begin operation in the middle of next year. In the future, the new infrastructure will be able to expand its services to solid bulks and other types cargo,” the Port of Tarragona said.

Port Everglades welcomes new Director of Operations Ricardo Charlton

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 October 2020 09 October 2020

Broward County’s Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels has appointed Ricardo D. Charlton, BSME, FSO, as the new Director of Operations. Port Everglades is a self-supporting enterprise fund of Broward County, FL, generating more than $170 million in revenues in fiscal year 2019 (October 1, 2018 – September 1, 2019) and is ranked among the nation’s leading container ports and a world leader in the cruise industry.

“Ricardo is an outstanding addition and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him,” said Daniels. “His skill set spans all aspects of port operations, and we are excited that he has joined our team.”

As Director of Operations, Charlton will oversee a workforce of 95 encompassing the Division’s Harbormaster Office, Linehandlers, Operations Support and Container Crane sections, which are involved in the Port’s diverse cruise, cargo and energy operations. He is responsible for budget preparation and adherence, personnel, the Port Everglades tariff and participation in contract negotiations with cruise lines, cargo carriers and terminal operators. The Port’s Operations Division coordinates more than 8,000 vessel and 3.9 million cruise and ferry passenger movements annually.

Prior to joining Port Everglades, Charlton served as Director of Maintenance at the Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), among the largest container ports in North America, and a major center for autos, bulk, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargoes, located in Tacoma, WA.

Charlton began his maritime career in 1996 as a Senior Terminal Planner with Freeport Container Port Hutchison Port Holdings in Freeport, Bahamas. In 2006, he came to South Florida to work for Tropical Shipping at the Port of Palm Beach as a Terminal Manager. Since then, he has risen through the ranks, securing positions of increasing responsibility with Crowley Liner Service at Port Everglades and Federal Marine Terminals at the Port of Lake Charles, LA.

A graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Charlton is currently working on his Professional Port Manager certification through the American Association of Port Authorities and is expected to graduate in 2021. Additionally, he is a certified Facility Security Officer, and holds certifications for vessel stability and dangerous goods handling and hazardous stowage.

Galveston Wharves signs agreement with Lyft to operate at Port of Galveston

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 25 September 2020 25 September 2020

The Galveston Wharves and Transportation Network Company (TNC) Lyft recently signed an agreement to formalize its operation at the port. The contract specifies the terms and conditions for operating at the port for one year.

“We are excited to announce that we are partnering with Lyft. This is the first time the port has entered into an agreement with a ride sharing service,” said CEO and Port Director Rodger Rees. “Now we have an additional ground transportation option to offer cruise passengers.”

According to the agreement, Lyft drivers will be provided with an area inside one of the port’s parking lots that will serve as a staging area while drivers wait for passengers to hail a ride using the phone app. Providing a separate staging area will help to alleviate traffic congestion in front of the cruise terminals. Additionally, there will be a new TNC curbside pick-up area easily visible and located in front of each cruise terminal for an improved cruise passenger experience. Lyft will pay a $2.00 access fee when picking up and dropping off passengers within the port’s property.

“This agreement enhances the ground transportation operations at the port and it creates a new revenue stream that helps off-set infrastructure and operational improvement projects” said Mobility Director, Julio De Leon.

Lyft adds to the existing ground transportation partnerships that the port has established with cab companies, private shuttles, limo services and other passenger transportation companies.

"Lyft's mission is to improve people's lives with the world's best transportation and that's why we're eager to work collaboratively with communities to improve transportation options for residents. Lyft is proud to work with the Galveston Wharves in a new partnership that will help cruise passengers access reliable ground transportation, and offer an additional earning opportunity for local drivers. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Galveston Wharves in our ongoing effort to provide access to convenient and affordable transportation for Texans,” said Lyft Regional Director Max Loosen.

MedCruise participates in Seatrade Cruise Virtual – largest gathering for cruise business in 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 04 October 2020 04 October 2020

MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean cruise ports, iparticipates in the first-ever Seatrade Cruise Virtual, 5-8 October 2020.

The event is a virtual networking experience that will host over 300 exhibitors, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with new and familiar faces through virtual stands, online meeting rooms, speed networking, and more.

MedCruise is encouraged to know that despite the current pandemic, cruise industry gatherings are still going on and therefore wholeheartedly supports this virtual initiative. The Association believes that now, more than ever, it is time to support the cruise industry towards a resumption of operations in total safety.

The Association is very proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the KEYNOTE PANEL | State of the Global Cruise Industry: Perspectives on Cruising in the COVID-19 Era, which will bring together senior leadership representing the world’s four largest cruise lines for the first time in 2020. It is quite an honor for MedCruise to accompany our port and associate members in this virtual experience, those attending the event, attending the conference or even being part of the conference program.

Airam Diaz Pastor, President of MedCruise, highlighted “the importance of gathering all together again to develop synergies and cooperation among the cruise industry stakeholders”. Diaz Pastor added that “our beloved Association is working very hard with its members for the safety resumption of the cruise operations”.

Nicky Guerrero, Director of Partnerships and Events for MedCruise, said “MedCruise is held in high regard for the support it gives to industry events globally. We’re delighted to form part of Seatrade Cruise Virtual and that our members are being offered a chance to meet the industry during these challenging times. We have no doubt that events such as this will help the industry on the road to recovery.”

Port of Cork Company appoints new Chief Executive

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 18 September 2020 18 September 2020

The Port of Cork Company has appointed Eoin McGettigan to the role of Chief Executive of the company. Eoin replaces Brendan Keating who retired recently after 18 years of service as CEO.

The Chairman of the Port of Cork Company, John Mullins stated that ‘Brendan Keating made an outstanding contribution to the Port as Chief Executive since 2002. Brendan has seen the Port’s Strategic Development Plan fully recognised: the acquisition of Belvelly Port Facility (formerly Marino Point), the Inner Harbour Development at Bantry Bay Port Company, the marked increase in cruise business and the commencement of construction of the €86 million Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy which will future proof the port. I have no doubt that Eoin will now take these projects and the business forward to further enable our growing economy.’

Eoin has spent the last decade providing strategic advice to a wide variety of companies. He has thirty years’ experience as a Senior Executive in Retail, Wholesale and Property businesses. He has held senior board positions in Musgrave PLC as Chief Executive of Supervalu Centra, Director of Dunnes Stores and Director of Reox Holdings PLC. Eoin and his family have lived in Cork for over 30 years.

John Mullins said: ‘Eoin brings with him a wealth of Senior Executive experience, excellent leadership skills and an integral knowledge of modern supply chains and logistics. He joins the Port at a strategic and exciting time for the company and the Southern region. The board and all in the Port company wish him every success.’

He added “Eoin will steward the company from the River to the Sea through the commissioning of key infrastructure in the lower harbour whilst making available former assets for critical residential and commercial development. Eoin’s property experience will be instrumental in ensuring that Tivoli will be one of the most exciting projects in the future for the company and for the City of Cork.’

Eoin McGettigan takes up the position as Chief Executive on 1st October 2020 for a term of five years.